Biography

Kennedy’s research explores the relationship between popular media texts and collective and cultural memory, drawing on theories from memory studies, adaptation studies, and literary studies to examine how historical events and figures are represented and transformed in media. His research agenda is structured around three interconnected areas of inquiry. First, he analyzes how popular media texts invoke collective and cultural memory to serve their narratives. While these texts may not set out to function as media of memory, they often rely on the audience’s collective memory to advance plot, establish historical context, and shape the reception of stories and characters. Through this lens, he explores issues of authenticity, representation, and historical responsibility. Second, he examines how popular media shape collective and cultural memory. He is particularly interested in how fiction can bridge gaps in the historical record, fostering a sense of identity and continuity for marginalized groups that have been excluded or erased from documented histories. Third, he works at the intersection of memory studies and adaptation studies, examining how media adaptations reshape cultural memory—both of the source text and, in some cases, its author. He is especially interested in how reinterpretation and remediation highlight or obscure the queer and feminist themes of a work, influencing how these works and their creators are remembered and understood over time.

Publications

Kennedy, E. M. (2024). Youth at the Border: Finding the Monstrous-Feminine in Marvel Comics. In I. Nash & R. C. Hains (Eds.), Supernatural youth in media (pp. 125–141). Peter Lang.

Presentations

Kennedy, E. M. (2023, July 6-9). “Little sparks cause fires, too”: Memories of historical conflict in gay literature. Peace and Conflict Culture Network’s Why Remember? Tracing the Past Conference, Sarajevo, BiH.

Kennedy, E. M. (2022, November 10-12). A Song for You: Kishi Bashi’s Omoiyari as memory work. Mid-Atlantic Popular & American Culture Association 2022 Annual Conference, Virtual.

Kennedy, E. M. (2022, October 14-16). Indigenous superheroes, Marvel’s Forge, and the power of limitless possibilities. Global Fusion, Philadelphia, PA.

Kennedy, E. M. (2022, March 18). Expectancy violations and voluntary parasocial breakup with favorite musicians.Klein College of Media and Communication 24th Annual Graduate Research Forum, Philadelphia, PA.

Kennedy, E. M. (2010, April 23). Making Māori: A study on Māori identity and adaptation in modern New Zealand. Salisbury University Student Research Conference, Salisbury, MD.

Teaching Experience

Drexel University Pennoni Honors Program

EDUCATION